Super Bowl vs. Downton Abbey

by Siobhan Adcock

on 02/01/13 at 01:24 PM

America, we have a lot to look forward to this Sunday: Hot guys in uniform on CBS and even more hot guys in uniform on PBS. The only problem: They're on at the same time. And some people (some people...not me, oh no, cough cough...) still don't know how to program a DVR. Even more to the point, watching the Ravens take on the 49ers calls for a totally different food strategy than watching Daisy take on Ivy. And besides, there's only enough seven-layer dip for one tv-watching couchfest. What to do?

Let's try a side-by-side examination:

Stoic-but-Charismatic Leader

49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick is known for keeping his mouth shut and letting his plays (and his tats) speak for themselves. And Downton's reliable Mr. Carson is known for much the same thing, only with bouillon spoons and unimpeachable gravitas instead of passes and sneaks. And he's probably got at least one tattoo under that black suit. We're just guessing.

Recent Tragedy

We may never know whether scheduled halftime performer Beyonce really sang at the inauguration or threatened civilization as we know it by possibly lip-syncing. If it does turn out to be true, well, we just don't know what to believe in anymore. But in this case our hurt feelings and betrayal are small beans compared to last week's epic bummer of a Downton episode.

Out-of-Line Wisecracking

A Sunday night without a sideways comment made by Maggie Smith is like peanut butter without jelly, like ice cream without a cone, like Tom without Syb--er, sorry. By contrast, we definitely could have used fewer stupid comments from NFL players this week. Countess, please give these young men a short but unforgettable lesson in proper behavior.

Behind-the-Scenes Clash

The Super Bowl has its Harbaugh vs. Harbaugh showdown; but does it compare to the deliciously simmering nastiness between former allies Miss O'Brien and Thomas the Valet?

It's a tough call, for sure. What will you be watching on Sunday? The only foregone certainty in my house is the Puppy Bowl at 3...

photo: Courtesy of (C) Carnival Film & Television Limited 2012
for MASTERPIECE

I read some gay press and recently in OUT Magazine the actor who plays Thomas in DA was interviewed and he said he was pleased to learn after season #1 that his character wasn't going to be killed-off as had been previously intended by the writers.

And at the end of season #2 feeling as if things had kind of stagnated for him the actor asked the big-wigs, "Um- is Thomas still gay?" and they assured him that his character would devlop more in season #3.

And sure enough- the actor confides that a good lusty plot does indeed open up for Thomas this season.

Rockie
02:38:34 PM on
02/01/13

The game will be on, but Downton will be DVR'd, that's for sure. I may even watch it, since the game may well be on its way to being history at that point.
This is almost like its own Super Bowl- Downton.v.Harbaugh Bros.
:)

kellydsavage
02:06:53 PM on
02/01/13

Best line ever..."Sunday night without a sideways comment made by Maggie Smith is like peanut butter without jelly, like ice cream without a cone, like Tom without Syb--er, sorry."